Manchester VA Medical Center to hold open house Feb. 15

MANCHESTER - The Manchester VA Medical Center will host an open house for new enrollment for VA health care on Feb. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Manchester VA Medical Center, 718 Smyth Road, in the teaching and education conference room, first floor.

Veterans who served in Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962 through May 7, 1975 or veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater between Aug. 2, 1990 through Nov. 11, 1998 are to be enrolled in VA services at the highest priority group for which you may be eligible.

For Vietnam veterans, there is a presumed Agent Orange exposure and for Persian Gulf War veterans, there is a presumed environmental contaminant exposure.

Veterans who served in Vietnam or the Blue Waters area of operations during the Vietnam War and who served in the Persian Gulf War cannot be rejected for enrollment and are entitled to be seen and treated at any VA Medical Center free of charge for all their needs under their Uniform Benefit Package.

In some instances, there may be a small prescription copayment for conditions not related to Agent Orange exposure, environmental contaminants exposure or a service related injury.

In addition, combat veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) who were discharged or released from active service on or after Jan. 28, 2003, are eligible to enroll in the VA health care system for five years from the date of discharge or release.

Veterans who qualify under this special eligibility are not subject to copays for conditions potentially related to their combat service.

However, unless otherwise exempted, combat veterans must either disclose their prior year gross household income or decline to provide their financial information and agree to make applicable copays for care or services VA determines are clearly unrelated to their military service.

During the open house, veterans who meet the above criteria will receive assistance with enrollment for VA Healthcare.

Free blood pressure screenings will be offered and general health and wellness information will be available.

Women veterans are encouraged to attend to find out what services the Manchester VA Medical Center currently provides.

Also, assistance will be provided to help you register for My HealtheVet, a web-based program to help manage the care you will receive at the VA.

Please bring your DD214 along with a government ID.

If you have any questions, contact Judy DeCarteret 624-4366, extension 2291.